Melonie Swisher has joined Ionia County's community corrections program as its manager. Swisher began her part-time position Jan. 4.

The community corrections manager oversees programs and services offered in the jail and in the community aimed at reducing jail overcrowding, so jail beds are used for the most dangerous offenders. Programs also work to reduce recidivism by offering effective alternatives to incarceration, and reduce crime so the safety of the community is improved.

Community corrections programs, which include cognitive behavioral therapy, substance abuse treatment and the Drunk Driver Jail Reduction Program (DDJRP), are paid for by a three-year grant from the State of Michigan Department of Corrections Office of Community Alternatives. The manager's salary also is included in the grant. The total community corrections budget for 2013 is $102,000.

Programs offered in the community to offenders when they are released serve as a check-in point so the courts know where the individuals are, Swisher said. In addition, community corrections programs help build relationships between the offenders and the agencies engaged with them.

"It gives offenders support that makes them feel like they can make it – and not just think it, but know they can," she said.

Swisher said, as the liaison between the state and the county, her priority is "making sure we're in compliance and operating under the grant correctly so we don't lose funding, but could even increase funding," she said. "There are endless opportunities that we can get the funds to do."

Swisher holds a Master of Science degree in criminal justice from Grand Valley State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from Western Michigan University. She worked with Project Rehab, a prisoner re-entry program in Grand Rapids, where she designed and implemented an evaluation tool. She also was an intern at the 9th Circuit Court and worked in the Prosecuting Attorney's Office, both in Kalamazoo County so she "knows what it's like to talk to and relate to offenders," she said. "I also have a broad understanding of the system."

Sheriff Dale Miller said he was "extremely impressed" with Swisher's past work experience and accomplishments.

"She went into a private business that was struggling, and was self-motivated to make changes that made the business very efficient," Miller said. "I was impressed with her positive attitude and willingness to accept all the challenges we set before her."

Swisher's organizational skills and her experience with Project Rehab swayed Ionia County Administrator Stephanie Hurlbut, who, with Miller, served on Swisher's interview team.

"We're excited to have her," she said. "The state is happy with us, and the progress we've made in the last couple of months (regarding grant-related reporting requirements). Now we can really get going."